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The Cowboys acquired Jones, 25, in a trade with the Tennessee Titans during last year's off season.

At the time, Jones had been suspended by the NFL for several off-field incidents.

He was reinstated by the league and played in several games for the team, but never made an impact. Jones had no interceptions and averaged just 4.5 yards per punt return.

He was suspended again in October after a fight in a Dallas hotel with a security guard who was assigned to him.

"He was surprised, and I think he was obviously somewhat hurt," said Worrick Robinson, Jones' Nashville, Tenn.-based attorney. "At the same time, he understands the business behind what is happening here."

Jones' attorney said he expects the cornerback will be back with some team in 2009.

"He is young. He has a lot of ability and he is eager to get back on the field," Robinson said.

Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple declined to comment on the team's decision and said owner Jerry Jones was unavailable. Coach Wade Phillips did not immediately return a message left by The Associated Press.

The Cowboys say release of "Pacman" Jones will become official on Feb. 9, the first day that NFL clubs are allowed to make waiver requests.

Before coming to Dallas, Jones was arrested six times and involved in 12 instances requiring police intervention after Tennessee drafted him in the first round in 2005.